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BadWeB - for Buell Motorcycle Enthusiasts » Court in Session » Archive through September 21, 2007 » RS1200-5 Headlight unit. « Previous Next »

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Steveshakeshaft
Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 05:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have realised that I am going to need a Left dipping headlight for my 91 RS1200 as we drive on the proper side of the road here in the UK. Does anyone know where I might find something that will fit?
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Ratbuell
Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 12:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Not sure on this, but it may be the same as any of the automotive lights in that size, for a 2 headlight system (high and low beam). I would suspect given the kit-bike nature of the RS, it used a fairly accessible piece.

IIRC there are only two "normal" sizes for rectangular lights - a 4x6" and a 5x7" (I know, you guys use that goofy 10-based metric thing over there....LOL). You may have to rework a wiring connector if the pinout is different, but it should be a pretty easy install. I'd start with hella.com and see if they have anything size-wise that matches.
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1313
Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 01:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

First off, I know this won't help Steveshakeshafts search for a headlight, but I thought it would be interesting to share this tidbit...

I would suspect given the kit-bike nature of the RS, it used a fairly accessible piece.

Well, yes and no, at least for the normal U.S. configuration right dip headlight. The OE headlight on the U.S. spec bikes was a sealed beam headlight with plastic lens and housing, that was originally made for use in semi trucks. All was well for a while until the manufacturer wasn't making the profit they expected with their product, so when they decided to discontinue the product they destroyed the tooling.

For the life of me I do not recall what headlight was used for RS/RSS models requiring a left dip headlight, but the headlight is indeed a standard sized rectangular headlight which should be able to be sourced in a auto parts store. I remember it was the same size as the headlight on Tim Mlinar's Nissan pick-em-up truck at the time.

This last bit will show the sign of the times - be prepared to feel older and antiquated. The last time I walked through the aisles at an auto parts store looking for headlights I was amazed that I saw very few actual headlights, but a gazillion different bulbs. In the day and age of the styled headlight lenses with replaceable bulbs, sealed beam headlight units are going the way of the rotary dial telephone. My advice is to lock in the source once it has been found.

Actually as I thinking while I am typing (why do you think this is taking me so long to post?), I remember some of the things I've done with my S2 headlight over the years. Over than the stock glass unit, I've had the plastic headlight out of an RS/RSS in it and for the longest time have had the American Sport Bike H4 headlight conversion kit in it. I am sure the picture is a stock photo as my kit is definitely the rectangular shape headlight (as were all S2's and S2-T's):
H4 headlight conversion
At the time I bought mine IIRC the price of admission was a little higher, or maybe that was because I went with the 80 Watt low beam/100 Watt high beam bulb. The cost of admission is a little higher, but now if I need a bulb it is a readily available H4 bulb. I know this isn't the left dip configuration that is needed for folks who choose to ride on the wrong side of the street, but Al is always an accommodating fellow to us Buell owners. It would shock me if Al's source for these kits wouldn't also be able to supply a left dip version of the housing.

So maybe in the end this might be of help,
1313
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Ratbuell
Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 03:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Chances are Hella has an H4 style lamp for the bike that will have the euro configuration. When my S2's light dies, I'm definitely converting, for the very supply/demand reason you mentioned. Hard to get sealed beams; easy to get lamp capsules!
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Steveshakeshaft
Posted on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 12:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thank you all for the comments. If I can't find something I'll ask Al @ American Sport Bike for advice.
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Court
Posted on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 01:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

>>>I'll ask Al @ American Sport Bike for advice.

Talking to Al is like free tickets to Disneyland . . . . my suggestion: Look for a reason NOT to find it so you can call Al . . . This guy is good . . . REALLY GOOD!
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Steveshakeshaft
Posted on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 04:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Court, Al has served me very well for stuff in the recent past. You're right, he's a diamond and we're lucky to have him around.
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Basti
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 12:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Steve
I can have a look I bought my RS 1200 from John Warr it was his personal bike and was originally delivered to UK.

image/x-bmp
RS1200 Warr.BMP (69.8 k)


I changed the headlight to German specification with one from the RSS. By the way do you attend the Beaulieu autojumble, I'm there so perhaps we can have a talk about original Buells in Europe ?
Best wishes
Basti from Germany
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Steveshakeshaft
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 02:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Basti, thanks for the post. No I am not around to go to Beaulieu. But I'm sure other UKBEG members will be there. Why not call into Dock Gate 20 HD, close by? They are one of the best Buell dealers in the UK and the guy there called Darren is a really great friend to UKBEG and they may be organising a trip to the autojumble. Tell him I sent you.

The spec for the headlight is a Wagner H6054 and it "maybe" a Jeep Cherokee part. I have a friend working on it for me. I'll let you know.
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Hotrats
Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2007 - 06:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What a great thread. I've been thinking about trying to find a replacement for my RS.
Hella makes a 200mm diagonal auto unit. I haven't taken the light out yet, but was hoping it would be this simple to find a replacement.
I'll have to give Al a call. Thanks for the info all.
andyh
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Steveshakeshaft
Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2007 - 12:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Andy, if you find out what else may/may not fit please let me know. Thanks. Steve.

PS- The old type Jeep Cherokee headlight seems promising from the picture I've been sent, so I need to find and compare actual size/shape. From the pix it's close.

S

(Message edited by steveshakeshaft on August 25, 2007)
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Hotrats
Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2007 - 01:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Steve,
will do. other pursuits (work) have been limiting my time.
andyh
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Josh_
Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2007 - 04:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Anyone else have issues remove/replace the plastic cover? Those damn tiny screw heads and wellnuts drive me crazy.
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Steveshakeshaft
Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2007 - 04:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Fortunately Josh, the screws/well nuts all seem pretty loose on the whole body work of my bike. I guess that's good to prevent damage to the panels.

Thanks for the mail Andy, you now have a reply, please send me further info on your rear shock so I can help you further.
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Buelltours
Posted on Monday, September 03, 2007 - 02:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Great thread! I have been trying to get information about replacement headlights with the Euro configuration. But so far no luck. If anybody here could share with me (non UK) drop-in solutions for RS, S2 and S3 that would be wonderful! Thanks a lot.
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Steveshakeshaft
Posted on Monday, September 03, 2007 - 04:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Buelltours , If you search Ebay for "H6054 Headlight" you will see right hand drive headlamps by the dozen. My RS1200 has a Wagner H6054 Headlight fitted. I have not yet found a left hand rive version. HTH.
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Hotrats
Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 09:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Steve,
have manuals in transit, so should be able to make adjustments to shock & forks (yipee)
going to look on ebay now for the headlight you suggest.
thanks

(Message edited by hotrats on September 05, 2007)
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Steveshakeshaft
Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 12:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

OK Andy, if I can help with anything, you know where I am.
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